Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman of the State Department,
Washington, DC ( originally posted on September 22nd).

The United States commends the ongoing work of Somali leaders and civil society representatives to achieve reconciliation through the Somalia Reconciliation Conference hosted by the Kenyan government. Events over the past week have demonstrated that Somali leaders have the ability to work through their differences and achieve workable compromises. Much more remains to be done to develop a lasting peace and sustainable government, but reconciliation at this time will ensure the development of a representative parliament as a critical step in the process .

The United States urges all parties to continue advancing the reconciliation process in a real and meaningful way. The United States further urges all participants to ensure those critical activities in the process, especially the selection of members of parliament, be carried out in a transparent manner.